Clean the surface of the machine with soapy water. Rub lubricating oil all over the machine. Keeping machines clean and well-oiled is also the first step to preventing machine rust. If machines operate around corrosive materials such as heavy salts or water, these machines should be regularly cleaned and oiled to prevent rust.
Rub the steel wool and sandpaper on the rust-affected areas. Make sure to apply pressure to the steel wool and sandpaper to remove all of the rust from the machine. The steel wool works better for removing larger amounts of rust from tools, while the sandpaper works better for removing small surface spots of rust. Sandpaper should also be applied after the steel wool to create a finer and smoother finish on the machine.
Spray the surface of the machine with a commercial rust sealant. This will help to protect the machine from further rust damage. The overall strength of a machine is compromised every time it rusts and rust has to be removed. The rust is part of the metal, so removing rust is removing metal. The ultimate way to stop rust from degrading machines is to take preventive measures against rust.